LIONEL MESSI paid tribute to Diego Maradona by taking off his Barcelona shirt to reveal a Newell’s Old Boys jersey but was BOOKED for the geture.
The Catalan giants’ skipper bagged a stunning goal against Osasuna before unveiling Maradona’s old No10 strip from years gone by.
Lionel Messi unveiled an old Newell’s Old Boys strip with Maradona’s No10 on the backCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Messi’s touching tribute was in honour of Maradona who passed away last weekCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Messi is booked at the Nou CampCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But despite the touching moment in honour of Messi’s late Argentine compatriot, the LaLiga ref still saw fit to brandish a yellow card.
Maradona died on Wednesday aged 60 after suffering a heart attack and the latest news suggests the house of his personal doctor was searched by cops amid reports his passing is being treated as manslaughter.
Messi began his career at Argentine side Newell’s before moving into Barca’s youth system in 2001, while former Napoli icon Maradona had a short stint at the club after arriving in 1993.
Fittingly Messi’s strike was a sublime solo effort reminiscent of Maradona’s footballing genius.
The two all-time greats have been compared thanks to their similar playing style, stature and innate ability.
Footage of them playing together for Argentina emerged in the wake of Maradona’s passing.
The pair teamed up on the same Argentine all-stars side in an exhibition match in 2005.
Maradona and Messi – two of the greatest footballers of all time – shone brightest on a night which also featured Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, Maradona’s former son-in-law.
Messi and his team-mates and Osasuna opponents observed a minute’s silence in honour of MaradonaCredit: AP:Associated Press
And that was despite neither of them being in their prime with Maradona already 45 and a fresh-faced Messi just 18.
They caused havoc for the opposition with highlights showing plenty of neat through balls and sumptuous flicks.
Messi’s goal was Barcelona’s last in their 4-0 rout of Osasuna at an empty Nou Camp amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Both sides observed a minute’s silence in honour of Maradona before kick-off.
Former Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann and Martin Braithwaite were also on target for the Blaugrana.
A framed No10 shirt was displayed inside the Nou Camp after Maradona’s deathCredit: AP:Associated Press
Rare footage of Diego Maradona playing with Lionel Messi together for Argentina emerges after his death
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
